ATLANTA — The All American Football League (AAFL) announced today the postponement of its inaugural season until 2009.

The league, comprised of six teams, including a Michigan franchise that would've played its home games at Ford Field, continues to discuss opportunities with potential investors. It had been slated to kick off with a full schedule of games in April.

Other franchises include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Texas.

John Fontes, brother of former Detroit Lions coach Wayne Fontes, had been hired to coach the Michigan team.

AAFL sponsors have committed to remain on board for the 2009 season, according to a statement issued by the league.

Currently, it has corporate sponsorship agreements with New Balance, Baden Sports and Rogers Athletic. It also still has in place a national radio partnership with Touchdown Radio & SportsDay Productions, and an internet broadcast partnership with PlayOn! Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting.

"We are so very fortunate to have built partnerships with companies who are partners in the truest sense of the word," said Keenan Davis, AAFL Vice President of League Operations and chief operating officer. "We sincerely appreciate their support as we progress toward our new goal of a 2009 inaugural season."

All fans who purchased tickets to 2008 AAFL games will receive a full refund, the league said. It promises to issue credits for credit card purchases and to return checks it received as payment for tickets.